Gasunie, a Dutch gas network operator, has warned against the establishment of monopolies in the billions of dollars spent in green hydrogen powered by wind energy.

Gasunie is involved in large-scale hydrogen initiatives that might play a critical role in the future energy supply. The state-owned corporation, on the other hand, warns of the dangers of concentrating too much power in private enterprises that are primarily answerable to their shareholders rather than to the general public.

It is believed that if major corporations obtain control of key hydrogen facilities and offshore wind farms that generate power, policymakers would become reliant on a small number of large corporations for energy policy.

“This is a really significant issue for the Netherlands and for Dutch politicians to think about right now,” Ulco Vermeulen, a board member, said. “Because once it’s in the hands of someone else, you don’t have to think about it.” Let’s face it: we’ve seen how the industry can dominate particular areas on several occasions.”

Belgium is well aware of such a predicament, as our country’s electricity is mostly supplied by the French energy behemoth Engie.

The argument in the Netherlands is centered on NortH2, a massive hydrogen project in Groningen that Shell is spearheading. Gasunie, Equinor, and RWE are among the companies collaborating.

“Look, it’s not about Shell’s future; it’s about the Netherlands’ future.” It’s all about the common good. Professor Paul Bovend’Eert argues, “Those public interests must be reflected in parliament.”